Austin Turbine Vehicle Demonstrated
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THERE were many surprises at the I Austin Golden Jubilee celebrations last Saturday, but the one that created the biggest sensation was the appearance of the Austin turbine car (TUR 1) giving its first public demonstration. It could hardly be distinguished from the ordinary Sheerlinc saloon, except for the low hum of its power unit and a slight haze from the exhaust.
The only apparent constructional difference was a slight lengthening of the bonnet, into which wire-mesh grids are inserted. The heat exchangers which form part of the unit are of an advanced design and the exhaust gases are so cool that they will not burn a hand held in them.
The test vehicle has already rim thousands of miles in this country, but nobody has realized its novelty. The gas turbine is of 125 b.h.p. The unit includes a two-stage compressor driven by a three-stage compressor turbine followed by a separate power turbine and cross-flow heat exchanger.
It would seem that such a unit would give ample power for a fairly large commercial vehicle. The main problem will, however, continue to be to reduce fuel consumption.
CAPITAL AND TRANSPORT
T"theme of the course to be held at Ashridgc College, Berkhamsted, Herts, from September 9-12 will be "Capital Developments in Inland Transport." Among the speakers will be Mr. J. Ratter, technical adviser to the British Transport Commission, Mr. L. G. Burleigh, transport officer of I.C.I., Ltd., and a member of the council of the Institute of Transport, and Mr. C. D. Morgan, secretary of the British Road Federation,
The fee for the course is £3 15s. Applications should be addressed to the secretary of the College.